Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

HB 558
                       Department of Legislative Services
                               Maryland General Assembly
                                     2021 Session
                            FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                  Third Reader
House Bill 558                   (Delegate D.E. Davis)
Economic Matters                                                                       Finance
                      For-Hire Driving and Vehicles - Requirements
This bill makes administrative changes to the for-hire driver’s license application process,
generally to facilitate the receipt of driver photographs. The bill also removes a requirement
for Baltimore City taxicab drivers to complete an education course, removes a general
requirement related to the display of specified information on taxicabs, and removes
taxicabs from the limited list of motor vehicles not required to have seat belts in the vehicle.
Finally, provisions related to 15 or fewer passenger limousines are expanded to encompass
all motor vehicles, including a corresponding authorization to be operated by a licensed
transportation network operator. The bill takes effect June 1, 2021.
                                     Fiscal Summary
State Effect: The Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Motor Vehicle
Administration can handle the bill’s requirements with existing budgeted resources. The
bill is not expected to materially affect State finances or operations.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect local government finances or operations.
Small Business Effect: Likely minimal.
                                          Analysis
Current Law:
For-hire Transportation – Generally
In addition to its better-known role in the regulation of electric and gas utility rates, PSC
also regulates persons engaged in the public transportation of individuals for-hire in
vehicles such as cars, vans, limousines, and buses. This includes issuing relevant permits
for the vehicles and issuing related licenses to authorize drivers to operate those vehicles
for hire.
Generally, a person may not operate a motor vehicle for hire in the State under a permit or
authorization to transport passengers issued by PSC or the appropriate local authority
unless the person holds a for-hire driver’s license or a transportation network operator’s
(e.g., an Uber driver) license issued by PSC. There are limited exceptions. PSC only issues
permits for taxicabs in Baltimore City and a few local jurisdictions.
Taxicabs Provisions Affected by the Bill
In Baltimore City, an individual applying for a taxicab license (a type of for-hire license)
or renewal of a taxicab license must submit proof of having successfully completed a
course approved by PSC that includes in the curriculum (1) courteous treatment of
passengers; (2) geography and map reading for the jurisdiction in which the taxicab
services will be provided; and (3) tourist information for the jurisdiction in which the
taxicab services will be provided.
Each taxicab for which a permit is required must have (1) the name of the taxicab permit
holder of the taxicab permanently painted or affixed on one door on each side of the
taxicab, in letters at least 2.5 inches high and (2) the word “taxicab” appear conspicuously
on the taxicab.
Seat Belts
For purposes of the State requirement for individuals to wear seat belts, “motor vehicle”
means a vehicle that is registered or capable of being registered in Maryland as a passenger
vehicle, truck, tractor, multipurpose vehicle, or passenger bus vehicle and is required to
have seat belts under federal motor vehicle safety standards. Historic vehicles are not
subject to the mandatory seat belt requirement. Seat belts are required for any person
operating a motor vehicle and any passengers younger than age 16. Persons age 16 or older
riding as a passenger in an outboard front seat of a motor vehicle or in the rear of a motor
vehicle must also be restrained by a seat belt.
Another provision of State law – the one altered by the bill – has a separate definition of
“motor vehicle.” For the purpose of the following requirements only, “motor vehicle” does
not include any motorcycle other than an autocycle, bus, truck, or taxicab. Every motor
vehicle registered in the State and manufactured or assembled after June 1, 1964, must be
equipped with two sets of seat belts on the front seat of the vehicle. Every motor vehicle
registered in the State and manufactured or assembled with a rear seat after June 1, 1969,
HB 558/ Page 2
must be equipped with two sets of seat belts on the rear seat of the vehicle. A person may
not sell or offer for sale any vehicle in violation of these requirements.
                               Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: SB 429 (Senator Kelley) - Finance.
Information Source(s):      Public Service Commission; Maryland Department of
Transportation; Harford, Montgomery, and Wicomico counties; City of College Park;
Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:     First Reader - February 4, 2021
an/lgc                   Third Reader - March 2, 2021
Analysis by: Stephen M. Ross                          Direct Inquiries to:
                                                      (410) 946-5510
                                                      (301) 970-5510
HB 558/ Page 3
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - For-Hire Driving and Vehicles - Requirements: 10-104 Transportation, 10-206 Transportation, 21-1127 Transportation, 22-412 Transportation
Text - Third - For-Hire Driving and Vehicles - Requirements: 10-104 Public Utilities, 10-206 Public Utilities, 21-1127 Transportation, 22-412 Transportation